2022 Philanthropy Day Award Winners
Please help The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy and the citizens of Story County recognize the following people and groups and their philanthropic contributions.
Ames Noon Kiwanis Club
Outstanding Group Philanthropist Nominated by Geri Derner, Secretary of the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club The recipient of this award demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating and motivating volunteers for one or more major fundraising projects for the benefit of a charitable institution or cause in Story County. |
The Ames Noon Kiwanis Club has been serving their community for 98 years. The desire of their club is to embody the definition of philanthropy: to promote the welfare of others. The Ames Noon Kiwanis Club has faced many challenges in its 98-year history, including the recent global pandemic. When challenging times arise, the Ames Noon Kiwanis Club adapts and continues their work of connecting youth and service organizations to resources and opportunities that improve lives and strengthens communities.
The club is able to provide these resources through a myriad of fun and creative fundraisers. Story County has benefited for many years from the club’s annual Holiday Gift Wrap event, Knickles for Kids, and their famous pancake breakfast. The club has offered support to deserving organizations like Ames Children’s Choirs, Story Theater Company, and local Girl Scout troops. Story County is lucky to have such a dedicated and determined group of volunteers!
Previous Outstanding Group Philanthropist Award Recipients
Northcrest Community Residents (2021); Story City Friends Endowment (2019); Ames Morning Rotary (2018); Rotary Club of Ames (2017); Ballard Education Foundation (2016); Altrusa of Ames (2015); Ames Police Benevolent Association (2014); Kiwanis of Story County (2013); Ames Public Library Friends
Foundation – Sales Committee (2012); Josephine Tope Community Auditorium Capital Campaign Committee (2011); Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary (2010); Heartland Senior Services Variety Show Committee (2009) *The event was not held in 2020.
The club is able to provide these resources through a myriad of fun and creative fundraisers. Story County has benefited for many years from the club’s annual Holiday Gift Wrap event, Knickles for Kids, and their famous pancake breakfast. The club has offered support to deserving organizations like Ames Children’s Choirs, Story Theater Company, and local Girl Scout troops. Story County is lucky to have such a dedicated and determined group of volunteers!
Previous Outstanding Group Philanthropist Award Recipients
Northcrest Community Residents (2021); Story City Friends Endowment (2019); Ames Morning Rotary (2018); Rotary Club of Ames (2017); Ballard Education Foundation (2016); Altrusa of Ames (2015); Ames Police Benevolent Association (2014); Kiwanis of Story County (2013); Ames Public Library Friends
Foundation – Sales Committee (2012); Josephine Tope Community Auditorium Capital Campaign Committee (2011); Mary Greeley Medical Center Auxiliary (2010); Heartland Senior Services Variety Show Committee (2009) *The event was not held in 2020.
Woodruff Construction
Outstanding Business Philanthropist Nominated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County The recipient of this award is a business that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement in Story County. |
Woodruff Construction is a company with purpose. They seek out projects that serve local communities and align with their company values. If Woodruff Construction has a presence in a community, you can be sure that they are looking for ways to give back and make an impact. Story County has benefitted many times over from Woodruff’s commitment to in-kind donations, volunteerism, and significant financial contributions.
Woodruff Construction has been a major supporter of organizations in Story County like Boys & Girls Club of Story County, YSS, and The Bridge Home. Woodruff has provided sponsorship dollars, hours of volunteer service, playground equipment installation, construction labor, renovation materials, and board leadership. They truly lead by example, offering generosity and opportunities for communities to grow and thrive.
Previous Outstanding Business Philanthropist Award Recipients
Ames Ford Lincoln (2021); RE/MAX Real Estate Center (2019); South Story Bank and Trust (2018); Renewable Energy Group (2017); Country Landscapes (2016); Wilson Toyota Scion of Ames (2015); Bethesda Lutheran Church (2014); 3M (2013); Kreg Tool Company (2012); Alpha Copies & Print Centers(2011); Greater Iowa Credit Union (2010); Burke Corporation (2009); First National Bank (2008); Sauer-Danfoss (2007); McFarland Clinic PC (2006); Pella Rolscreen Foundation, SC (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Woodruff Construction has been a major supporter of organizations in Story County like Boys & Girls Club of Story County, YSS, and The Bridge Home. Woodruff has provided sponsorship dollars, hours of volunteer service, playground equipment installation, construction labor, renovation materials, and board leadership. They truly lead by example, offering generosity and opportunities for communities to grow and thrive.
Previous Outstanding Business Philanthropist Award Recipients
Ames Ford Lincoln (2021); RE/MAX Real Estate Center (2019); South Story Bank and Trust (2018); Renewable Energy Group (2017); Country Landscapes (2016); Wilson Toyota Scion of Ames (2015); Bethesda Lutheran Church (2014); 3M (2013); Kreg Tool Company (2012); Alpha Copies & Print Centers(2011); Greater Iowa Credit Union (2010); Burke Corporation (2009); First National Bank (2008); Sauer-Danfoss (2007); McFarland Clinic PC (2006); Pella Rolscreen Foundation, SC (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club
Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Nominated by MaryAnn Lundy, Ames Town & Country Kiwanis The recipient of this award is an individual under age 25 or a group with members age 25 or younger that demonstrates outstanding commitment of time, talent and resources to raise financial support for a non-profit organization, cause or project and show evidence of leadership and/or mentoring of other youth in Story County. |
1In September of 2021 sixth and seventh grade students at Ames Middle School, met for their first post-Covid year of the Ames Middle School Kiwanis Builders Club. Faculty advisor Erin Bettazza led the Club in brainstorming and planning for a year of service and leadership. The areas of interest were identified: literacy, mental health, environment, hunger and homelessness.
The group's many projects included a book drive in partnership with Raising Readers in Story County, they assisted with the school district's clothing drive, and made cards or posters for veterans, middle school students and the United Way annual food drive. Working with the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis they were awarded a grant to plant trees in conjunction with Ames Park and Recreation.
The many projects completed by the Club required leadership, creativity and organizational skills. As the year progressed, their projects grew larger and more complicated as the Club increased their skills. Their Earth Day/Arbor Day project required research to find funding, a plan for the grant required education, collaborating with other community groups, finding resources and a morning of hard work and learning about tree planting. These many service projects demonstrate the warm, caring hearts and leadership of this small but mighty group of young citizens.
Previous Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy Award Recipients
SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) Food Pantry at Iowa State University (2021); Roland-Story Community School District – Student Organizations (2019); Michael Wiechmann (2018); Latinx Student Leadership Council (2018); AHS Reggie’s Sleep Out Committee (2017); Pi Kappa Alpha (2016); Kate Hulshizer (2015); Mrs. Lynn Nielsen’s Special Needs Class (2014); Girl Scout Troop 28 and 150 (2013); Nevada High School Key Club (2012); Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (2011); Story County Youth Philanthropists (2010); Central Elementary K-Kids (2009); Joe Wallace (2008); Cory M. Hanson (2007); Nevada Multiage Program (2006); Kevin Geiken and Keegan Kautzky (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
The group's many projects included a book drive in partnership with Raising Readers in Story County, they assisted with the school district's clothing drive, and made cards or posters for veterans, middle school students and the United Way annual food drive. Working with the Ames Town and Country Kiwanis they were awarded a grant to plant trees in conjunction with Ames Park and Recreation.
The many projects completed by the Club required leadership, creativity and organizational skills. As the year progressed, their projects grew larger and more complicated as the Club increased their skills. Their Earth Day/Arbor Day project required research to find funding, a plan for the grant required education, collaborating with other community groups, finding resources and a morning of hard work and learning about tree planting. These many service projects demonstrate the warm, caring hearts and leadership of this small but mighty group of young citizens.
Previous Outstanding Youth Group in Philanthropy Award Recipients
SHOP (Students Helping Our Peers) Food Pantry at Iowa State University (2021); Roland-Story Community School District – Student Organizations (2019); Michael Wiechmann (2018); Latinx Student Leadership Council (2018); AHS Reggie’s Sleep Out Committee (2017); Pi Kappa Alpha (2016); Kate Hulshizer (2015); Mrs. Lynn Nielsen’s Special Needs Class (2014); Girl Scout Troop 28 and 150 (2013); Nevada High School Key Club (2012); Ames Public Library Teen Advisory Group (2011); Story County Youth Philanthropists (2010); Central Elementary K-Kids (2009); Joe Wallace (2008); Cory M. Hanson (2007); Nevada Multiage Program (2006); Kevin Geiken and Keegan Kautzky (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Dr. Jon Fleming
Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Nominated by ISU Foundation and Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation The recipient of this award is an individual, couple or family that demonstrates leadership and organizational ability and success in recruiting and motivating others to give philanthropically in Story County. |
Dr. Jon Fleming is a doer. He is well-known in the community for the high level of energy he brings to every role he serves and his willingness to help in any way necessary to ensure the success of the projects and programs he believes in. He has a talent and passion for helping organizations raise funds and has been quoted as saying he “likes to ask people for money” for good causes.
Jon served as a gastroenterologist at McFarland Clinic and Mary Greeley Medical Center from 1986 until his retirement in 2012. In 2011, he took on a leadership role with the Mary Greeley Foundation’s Extraordinary Visions campaign, serving as co-chair of the largest fundraising campaign in the medical center’s history and playing a key role in its success. He also helped the Ames Public Library in a previous fundraising campaign. Most recently, he served as campaign chair of the Forever True, For Iowa State nine-year campaign. His involvement and tireless efforts were central to it exceeding its $1.5 billion goal.
As a good fundraiser, Jon is among the first to contribute personally to causes he cares about. He has served on several nonprofit boards and received many awards and recognitions.
Jon Fleming is a beloved physician, volunteer, fundraiser, ISU alumnus and friend to all who know him. He has created an inspirational legacy that others strive to live up to.
Previous Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award Recipients
Georges Niang Golf Outing (2022); Sheila Lundt (2019); Alan & Mary Christy (2017); Tim Day (2016); Monica Porter (2015); Roger Kluesner 2014); Jim Black (2013); Dr. Jay Brown (2012); Rollie and Willie Struss (2011); Nealla Benson (2010); Heather and Gary Botine (2009); Linda and Bernie White (2008); Suzan Shierholz (2007); Phillip O’Berry (2006); Verne C. Bates (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Jon served as a gastroenterologist at McFarland Clinic and Mary Greeley Medical Center from 1986 until his retirement in 2012. In 2011, he took on a leadership role with the Mary Greeley Foundation’s Extraordinary Visions campaign, serving as co-chair of the largest fundraising campaign in the medical center’s history and playing a key role in its success. He also helped the Ames Public Library in a previous fundraising campaign. Most recently, he served as campaign chair of the Forever True, For Iowa State nine-year campaign. His involvement and tireless efforts were central to it exceeding its $1.5 billion goal.
As a good fundraiser, Jon is among the first to contribute personally to causes he cares about. He has served on several nonprofit boards and received many awards and recognitions.
Jon Fleming is a beloved physician, volunteer, fundraiser, ISU alumnus and friend to all who know him. He has created an inspirational legacy that others strive to live up to.
Previous Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award Recipients
Georges Niang Golf Outing (2022); Sheila Lundt (2019); Alan & Mary Christy (2017); Tim Day (2016); Monica Porter (2015); Roger Kluesner 2014); Jim Black (2013); Dr. Jay Brown (2012); Rollie and Willie Struss (2011); Nealla Benson (2010); Heather and Gary Botine (2009); Linda and Bernie White (2008); Suzan Shierholz (2007); Phillip O’Berry (2006); Verne C. Bates (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Al and Karen Hermanson
Outstanding Philanthropist Nominated by Carolyn Jons, Rotary Club of Ames Morning The recipient of this award is an individual, couple or family that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support and through encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community affairs in Story County. |
Al and Karen Hermanson have been quiet philanthropists for decades, faithfully giving their time and resources to improve the quality of life in Story County.
Over the years, they have made many significant contributions to dozens of Story County nonprofit organizations including Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City, Riverside Bible Camp, Lutheran Social Services and Ames Rotary to name just a few. They established an Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scholarship Award at Iowa State University which annually supports budding entrepreneurs in the various agriculture fields. They also established the Hermanson Charitable Donor Advised Fund at the Story County Community Foundation in 2015, which has since impacted 75 organizations and countless lives.
The Hermansons not only provide financial support to many organizations, civic projects, programs and events, they roll up their sleeves and get to work whenever a need arises. They often lead the charge, offering their commitment, expertise, encouragement and friendship because they believe strongly in their community and want to invest in its future. As visionaries, they serve on various boards, councils and committees and take their roles very seriously.
Together, Al and Karen are a dynamic duo with big hearts and a passion for supporting Story County any way they can. They lead by example, holding true to their values and inspiring others to join them.
Previous Outstanding Philanthropist Award Recipients
Sarah and J. Ben Buck (2021); Ruth Harris (2019); Pat and Louis Bannitt (2018); Jeff and Peggy Johnson (2017); Bev and Warren Madden (2016); Hertz Family: Randy and Liz Hertz and Tom and Joyce Hertz (2015); Julie and Harold Pike (2014); Yvonne and Kevin Kinzler (2013); Jennifer and Brian Dieter (2012); Carolyn and Chuck Jons (2011); Janice and Marvin Walter (2010); Clare and Jim Frevert (2009); Sherry and Lee Sargent (2008); Ruth and Clayton Swenson (2007); Marge and Erb Hunziker (2006); Janet S. and Donald R. Payer (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.
Over the years, they have made many significant contributions to dozens of Story County nonprofit organizations including Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City, Riverside Bible Camp, Lutheran Social Services and Ames Rotary to name just a few. They established an Agricultural Entrepreneurship Scholarship Award at Iowa State University which annually supports budding entrepreneurs in the various agriculture fields. They also established the Hermanson Charitable Donor Advised Fund at the Story County Community Foundation in 2015, which has since impacted 75 organizations and countless lives.
The Hermansons not only provide financial support to many organizations, civic projects, programs and events, they roll up their sleeves and get to work whenever a need arises. They often lead the charge, offering their commitment, expertise, encouragement and friendship because they believe strongly in their community and want to invest in its future. As visionaries, they serve on various boards, councils and committees and take their roles very seriously.
Together, Al and Karen are a dynamic duo with big hearts and a passion for supporting Story County any way they can. They lead by example, holding true to their values and inspiring others to join them.
Previous Outstanding Philanthropist Award Recipients
Sarah and J. Ben Buck (2021); Ruth Harris (2019); Pat and Louis Bannitt (2018); Jeff and Peggy Johnson (2017); Bev and Warren Madden (2016); Hertz Family: Randy and Liz Hertz and Tom and Joyce Hertz (2015); Julie and Harold Pike (2014); Yvonne and Kevin Kinzler (2013); Jennifer and Brian Dieter (2012); Carolyn and Chuck Jons (2011); Janice and Marvin Walter (2010); Clare and Jim Frevert (2009); Sherry and Lee Sargent (2008); Ruth and Clayton Swenson (2007); Marge and Erb Hunziker (2006); Janet S. and Donald R. Payer (2005) *The event was not held in 2020.